Brake Repair

When you're behind the wheel, your peace of mind depends on the confidence of knowing that all your car's systems are functioning as they should. As far as safety goes, there is no more important part of your vehicle than the braking system. During Brake Safety Week in 2020, 12% of the inspected vehicles were removed from service for brake safety violations. Although the inspections are traditionally carried out on commercial vehicles, it raises awareness of our personal responsibility in maintaining road safety.



No matter how well you drive, faulty brakes compromise your safety, the safety of your family, and the safety of others on the road. In the most recent report available from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), about 22% of accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions were caused by faulty braking systems. So as a driver, you may rightly wonder, "How often should my brakes be inspected and maintained? How can I know if my brakes are in danger of failing? And how can the specialists at Tom Kadlec Kia help?"

How Brakes Work

When your foot applies pressure to the brake pedal, that force is multiplied exponentially by means of leverage and hydraulics. Brake pads are squeezed against a disc or pushed outwards in a drum in order to slow and eventually stop your wheels from turning. Modern braking systems include the additional assistance of anti-locking mechanisms and sensors to improve reaction time in dangerous situations. Proper maintenance of all aspects of the system is critical to its function, and in particular brake pads and shoes must be regularly maintained.

The Importance of Brake Pad Inspection and Repair

As brake pads wear, they not only become less efficient, they affect other components in ways that reduce braking effectiveness. Drums, rotors, and calipers are the first to manifest undue stress from worn brake pads. How can you know if your braking system is underperforming or in danger of failing?

• Dashboard warning lights. Most cars have indicators on the dashboard that warn you when a portion of the system is failing. Seek professional help if you see either the brake warning symbol (usually an exclamation mark inside a circle), the anti-lock braking system (ABS) light (usually the initials ABS inside a circle), or the emergency (park) brake warning light (usually the letter “P” inside a circle) come on. Some cars also have indicators that show when the hydraulic fluid is at a low level in the reservoir.

• Noises. Your vehicle's braking system may produce a number of noises indicating attention is needed. It may range from a squeak to a squeal or from scraping to grinding. Don't wait for these noises to be your maintenance or service indicators, as these noises indicate that damage has already occurred to some extent. But if you do hear them, do not hesitate to schedule a maintenance appointment.

• Abnormal “feeling.” If your brake pedal feels too hard or abnormally resistant, too soft or spongy, or if it loses pressure as if something is leaking, do not ignore it. Also, if your vehicle wobbles, pulls to one side, or bounces while braking, these are also indicators of various levels of damage and a danger of failure.

• Visible signs. Puddles of brake fluid in your driveway or smoke, intense heat, or a burning smell when you come to a stop are visible indicators of pending brake failure.

Any of these indicators may be telling you that you may have left things too long and that repair rather than maintenance is now urgent. As borne out by the famous quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” scheduled brake maintenance is better than brake malfunction repair.

Schedule Brake Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance rather than costly repairs is definitely the wiser way to go. The intervals for scheduling such service, however, depend on the vehicle make and model, the quality of components, and the type of usage. Stresses placed on front brakes are different from the stresses placed on rear brakes, and electronic components may require specialty diagnostics for preventative maintenance. Therefore, seeking the help of experienced, professional technicians, such as those at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, MN will help you to schedule suitable inspections and maintenance for your specific needs.

It's true that many “weekend mechanics” can change out brake pads or shoes with relative ease, but proper maintenance and inspections often require much more. In addition to replacing brake pads and shoes, routine scheduled maintenance by professionals may include the following:

• Inspection of drums and rotors. Faulty brake pads or shoes can damage your drums or rotors. The damage may range from minor marring of the braking surface to deep grooving or even warping because of extreme heat. A comprehensive inspection can catch the damage before it gets too severe, and if necessary, services such as resurfacing or machining, or even replacement may be offered.

• Inspection and maintenance of hydraulics. A comprehensive inspection may reveal leaks or damaged seals. Your service technician may replace the damaged seals, repair the leaks, and bleed the hydraulic system to restore full function.

• Diagnostics and replacement of electronic components. Since modern braking systems include safety assisting technologies, proper diagnostic tools can help to prevent more costly repairs or even complete failures. Certified technicians will also be able to reset any warning lights after repairs so that your vehicle's warning system will function again. Ask your service technician for guidance in scheduling a diagnostic inspection. 

Choosing Your Service Center 

Clearly, your braking system is your vehicle's most critical safety component, and therefore it deserves proper inspection and maintenance. We applaud your sense of responsibility toward your family and the safety of the roads in your community, and here at Tom Kadlec Kia's Service Center we are committed to doing our part. If you place your trust in our experienced professional technicians, we'll do our best to help you drive safer and avoid costly potential damage. Visit our site to schedule an appointment today!